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[Otaking]

This past month I have been tossing around the idea of a new website I've wanted to start. My previous attempt at a website didn't turn out how I wanted it to end up, so I decided to start fresh.(I even went as far as changing my online name to Makoto, as seen in the IRC channel) My site's new title is "Oyasumi Anime Network". I've even secured the domain http://www.oyasumianime.net. However, the problem isn't concept or content. The trouble is design. I haven't been able to come up with a single decent design this entire month! I'm having trouble finding the inspiration to create. I've tried everything, but to no avail. I've looked at other website design places, but nothing has sparked my creativity. I could simply create a run-of-the-mill news site design, but that wouldn't stick out in anyone's mind after visiting. The point of the design is to work with the content to make your visitors want to return. Content will not be a problem, but the design is what's causing me grief. Being that the name of the site is Oyasumi Anime Network, I was thinking of going with dark tones and a nighttime, dreamy feel. However, everything I've produced has been so generic. What am I missing for inspiration? Am I doing something wrong? Or am I just worrying too much about a simple problem?

 

[Manabanana]

from http://www.tatoomcity.net
It's got the night thing happening, and maybe it's enough to inspire you? Good luck.

(You can't use the image or anything from the site, though.)

 

[Acrylamid]

I could simply create a run-of-the-mill news site design, but that wouldn't stick out in anyone's mind after visiting. The point of the design is to work with the content to make your visitors want to return.

I don't think I've ever bookmarked/re-visited a site because of its design. Many of my most visited sites (amazon, google, wikipedia) have pretty simple layouts and the page that is online right now at http://www.oyasumianime.net/ looks goods.
You should try to create much content while you're still enthusiastic about your site, many people start with great designs but little content and two months later, it's the same great design but as little content as before.